We’re thrilled to share that Dr Gaël Gobaille-Shaw, Co-founder and CTO of Mission Zero Technologies, has made MIT Technology Review’s prestigious Innovators Under 35 list.
Established in 1999, the annual award recognises outstanding innovators whose contributions are shaping the future of science and technology — showcasing ingenious and elegant work with impact that matters to the world at large.
Unlocking the potential of atmospheric CO₂
Gaël has spent over a decade exploring how CO₂ can be transformed from an existential challenge into a regenerative resource. After earning a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Bristol, Gaël joined Deep Science Ventures, where he co-founded Mission Zero Technologies.
Inspired by the same biological processes that manage CO₂ in the body, Gaël’s research led him to develop a novel electrochemical direct air capture (DAC) solution that could recover CO2 directly from the air.
Using only water, a catalyst, and renewable electricity, this technology can be deployed virtually anywhere in the world and offers one of the most energy efficient pathways for removing masses of the planet-warming gas from our atmosphere.
From lab to global deployment
In just five years, Gaël’s patented DAC technology has moved from lab-scale demonstrators to multiple commercial plants across the UK and Canada, with support from Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy, Stripe, XPRIZE, and the UK government.
By empowering both carbon removal and utilisation, Mission Zero’s direct air capture offers a versatile tool to help defossilise carbon within global economies and permanently remove legacy carbon emissions at scale.
Gaël’s solutions are already integrating with diverse industries — including aviation, construction, and carbon dioxide removal — to unlock jet fuel made from air, building materials that store CO₂ for thousands of years, and North America’s first CO₂ storage project.
Reflections on the journey so far
“Growing up, I wanted to be an inventor”, explains Gaël, “but I struggled to apply myself in school. Having ADHD means I work best when a problem truly inspires me. I’m impulsive. I break things. I’ve lost experiments. I’ve left papers unfinished."
"I’m more of an 80%-is-good-enough person than a perfectionist — part of me still feels like an imposter. Yet, I love solving problems, weaving concepts together, and finding novel ways through difficult challenges.”
"Innovation never happens in isolation. It’s built on the contributions of extraordinary people. Being named a finalist for the Innovators Under 35 list is dependent on so many factors; not least to the people who have been directly involved in this journey with me."
A few people in particular who have made Gaël’s journey possible:
Deep Science Ventures
- Dominic Falcao — “For inducting me into the world of venture creation, showing me its craft, and dispelling its myths.”
- Santa Astratova — “For teaching me how to spot talent, cut through noise, and find my co-founders.”
Mission Zero Co-Founders:
- Nicholas Chadwick — “Crazy idea partner in crime, crafty strategist, smooth talker, and regaller of stories, anecdotes, and pop culture references.”
- Shiladitya Ghosh — “Precise, detailed-orientated, eloquent — a late-night weaver of words who burns the midnight oil and always gets the job done.”
Those who have joined our mission:
- Fellow MZT colleagues — “The scientists and engineers at Mission Zero who do the really hard, structured, often repetitive work required to turn ideas into reality, as well as everyone that contributes to the inner workings of the company, helping to make our vision a reality.”
